Homokinetic universal joint

Abstract

A homokinetic universal joint having an outer ring formed in its inner surface with three axial track grooves, a tripod member inserted in the outer ring and having three legs, and guide blocks pivotally and axially slidably mounted on the respective legs and received in the respective track grooves. The guide blocks are formed in each side thereof with a ball circulating passage having straight raceways. A plurality of balls are rollingly received in each ball circulating passage. The track grooves are formed at both sides thereof with raceway grooves extending parallel to the axis of the track grooves to guide the balls along the straight raceways.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A homokinetic universal joint comprising an outer ring formed in its inner surface with three axial track grooves, a tripod member inserted in said outer ring and having three radial legs, guide blocks pivotally and axially slidably mounted on said respective legs and received in said respective track grooves, said guide blocks being formed in each side thereof with a ball guide channel having an elliptical shape and comprising two straight raceways extending parallel to each other and semi-circular portions connecting the ends of said straight raceways together, said track grooves being formed at both sides thereof with raceway grooves extending parallel to the axis of said track grooves to guide balls along said straight raceways, and a plurality of balls rollingly received in each said ball guide channel in said guide block and in said raceway groove formed in said track groove in said outer ring. 
     
     
       2. A homokinetic universal joint as claimed in claim 1, further comprising spherical rollers each mounted between said respective legs and guide blocks, said spherical rollers having a spherical outer periphery whereas said guide blocks have a complementary spherical inner periphery. 
     
     
       3. A homokinetic universal joint as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a plurality of needles mounted between said respective legs and spherical rollers. 
     
     
       4. A homokinetic universal joint as claimed in claim 1, wherein said legs have a spherical outer periphery whereas said guide blocks have a cylindrical inner periphery. 
     
     
       5. A homokinetic universal joint as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a plurality of needles mounted between said respective legs and said guide blocks.